Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar on Sunday extolled the valour of Sarvai Papanna Goud, the 17th century great warrior from Telangana, calling him as a fearless hero and a saviour of the downtrodden sections.The Union Minister paid floral tributes to the statue of Sarvai Papanna on the occasion of his Jayanthi celebrations in Karimnagar on Sunday.Speaking on the occasion, he said, “Sarvai Papanna was a warrior who dedicated his life for the establishment of an egalitarian society. He fought against the oppressive rule of the then Mughal emperors, the exploitation and atrocities of local zamindars, jagirdars, deshmukhs and landlords with unmatched courage.”The valiant hero hoisted the flag atop Golconda Fort, Mr. Sanjay said terming Sarvai Papanna as a Bahujan hero.Mr. Sanjay added that Sardar Papanna gathered the oppressed castes and communities, forming an army of 12,000. Engaging in guerrilla warfare, he established Khilashapur as his capital and ruled from there.Published - August 17, 2025 06:30 pm IST